Monday, May 5, 2008

Interview with a Mouse

After doing several interviews for other bloggers I decided to include some of their questions and my answers here in my own blog. Here goes...

What brought you to Etsy?

I was first introduced to the online community of artists at DevaintArt.comby a friend, there are many artists who post their work on DeviantArt who also have Etsy stores and left links to Etsy under their artwork. After understanding what Etsy was all about I had to become a part of it!

How did you get into creating Mice?

I have always loved making things ever since I was a very little girl, but the mice are a relatively recent addition to my creative endeavors. I originally made them as Christmas gifts for my family last year (Dec 2007); a Photographer Mouse for my father who loves taking pictures, an Artist Mouse for my painter friend, Reading mice for my bookworm friends etc… They went down so well that I decided to sell them. I can hardly believe how well they have been received!

Of all the mice you have created, which is your favorite?

Oh that’s a tricky question, that’s bit like asking someone which of their children is their favorite. I love them all! If I HAD to pick right now I would say it’s my Mother and Baby mice, that baby mouse really pushing the limit of cuteness before it makes my head explode! I’m also very fond of my little Monster Mice too, especially Frankenstein’s Mouse, it took me ages to find the right length bolt to fit through his neck and I’m very pleased with the result.

Where do you find your inspiration for creating your cute little mice?

When I first came up with the idea the inspiration came from my friends and family, since I made each mouse with a certain person in mind. After Christmas I was inundated with other suggestions from the people that received them! I regularly think of other mice to make while doing my everyday things, I’ll be watching a movie and think “Oh, a Supermouse would be cool!” sometimes it is from finding an object and trying to see it from a mouse-size point of view. For example the Gladiator Mouse's shield is actually a particularly ugly earring I picked up at a car boot sale. Suffice it to say the ideas hit me all the time. I also regularly get suggestions from people visiting my shop or MySpace page. And there is continued stream of suggestions from my friends. I have a little book I always carry with me to keep my ideas in.

Are you into any other types of creative endeavors?

Yes lots! I have been painting realist oil paintings for many years and it has been my main source of income for a long time. You can see my oil paintings on my private website: www.annagreaves.com. I also perform improvised comedy – like Who’s Line is it Anyway? - on Friday nights in AmsterdamCityCenter. I perform with a group called The Dog Ate My Scenework on the Easylaughsstage. I love improv because it requires the mind to be fast thinking and open to ideas. I also work as a Children’s Face Painter for private parties as well as every Sunday afternoon at the Hard Rock Café to earn a little extra cash. I enjoy doing many creative things with my time, it keeps my imagination happy.

How long have you been selling your crafts?

I listed my first mouse in February 2008. I have been selling my paintings since 2001.

Can I buy a pattern from you to make my own mice?

No, I’m sorry but because I sell my mice to earn a living I will not sell the details of how I make them.

If you could learn a new craft, what would it be?

Oooo that's a tough question to answer. I don't think I could pick just one! I am teaching myself to knit at the moment, and I am also trying to do some ceramic work - a skill I already have but rarely find the time to indulge myself in. I love to write, play music and cook - although none of them I am very good at yet, but I find having many little creative things in my life a real blessing.